Why Were Culture-War Tactics Ineffective in Virginia?

The New Yorker staff writer Benjamin Wallace-Wells joins Tyler Foggatt to discuss Democrats’ sweeping victories in the first major elections of Donald Trump’s second term. They talk about what the results—from Zohran Mamdani’s record-turnout win in New York City to victories in the Virginia and New Jersey gubernatorial races—reveal about Trump’s weakening hold on voters and a generational shift inside the Democratic Party. They also explore how a focus on affordability and economic anxiety fuelled Democrats’ success, and how these outcomes may shape the strategies of both parties heading into next year’s midterms. 

This week’s reading:

• “A Next-Generation Victory for Democrats,” by Benjamin Wallace-Wells
• “What the Democrats’ Good Night Means for 2026 and Beyond,” by Isaac Chotiner
• “California Strikes Back in the Redistricting War,” by Jon Allsop
• “The Mamdani Era Begins,” by Eric Lach
• “The N.Y.C. Mayoral Election, as Processed in Therapy,” by Tyler Foggatt

Tune in to The Political Scene wherever you get your podcasts. 

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